Alarm at new alcohol inhaler

A MACHINE which allows alcohol to be inhaled is proving a hit with drinkers at a bar in Bristol. The Alcohol Without Liquid (Awol) vapouriser allows users to breathe in drinks, such as vodka and absinthe, through the nose or mouth via a tube.

A NEW machine which allows alcohol to be inhaled is proving a hit with drinkers at a bar in Bristol.

The Alcohol Without Liquid (Awol) vapouriser allows users to breathe in drinks, such as vodka and absinthe, through the nose or mouth via a special tube.

But medical experts and alcohol concern groups have condemned the devise as potentially harmful, saying it could lead to brain damage.

And trading officers have launched an investigation into use of the machine.

Bristol bar, Il Bordello became the first venue to offer the Awol last week and owner Liz Lewitt said she had been overwhelmed with bookings for the £6-a-shot device.

'Diabolical'

She said: "Our experience of Awol is that it's a very mild way to enjoy the aromas and flavours of fruit-infused spirits." She added that she had not seen anyone react badly.

But the alcohol advisory service has registered an official complaint about Awol stating that the strength of the alcohol vaporised cannot be monitored.

Chief executive, Graham Fanti, chief said inhaling alcohol was a form of "solvent abuse for adults".

And alcohol experts have described the device as "diabolical" and warned that inhaling alcohol could cause serious brain damage.

Professor Oliver James, at Newcastle University, said: "By snorting alcohol it can go directly into the brain without being filtered by the liver. What is getting into your brain could be the equivalent of many times more than by drinking it, which is likely to increase the risk of direct alcohol damage to the brain."